Just a school choir welcoming refugees with ancient song

THE first plane of Syrian refugees landed in Toronto late on Thursday, and Canada has wasted no time in welcoming them.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the airport to personally welcome the 163 new arrivals from Beirut, helping distribute warm winter coats.

On Friday, a video of a children's choir singing a beautiful song in Arabic to their new neighbours surfaced.

The traditional song 'Tala' al-Badru 'Alayna' is one of the oldest in Islam. It was sung by the Ansar (Helpers) to the Prophet Mohamed when he sought refuge in their city of Medina and its message is one of welcome and hope.

Several commenters on social media said the gesture made them cry.

The lyrics are:

Oh the white moon rose over us
From the valley of Wada'
And we owe it to show gratefulness
Where the call is to Allah

Oh you, who were raised among us
Coming with a word to be obeyed
You have brought to this city nobleness,
Welcome best caller to God's way